Hakeem and Tehran’s Head of Judiciary hold discussions

Minister of Justice and Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem met the Head of the Judiciary of Iran Ayatolla larijani at his office in Teheran on Sunday (23).

Both the Minister and the Head of the Judiciary recalled the warm relationship existing between the two countries in the fields of law development and politics. Both the countries are members of the non-aligned movement and play active roles. The Judicial chief explained in detail that the law in Iran dates back to thousands of years and they have a rich and vibrant Islamic legal culture.

Hakeem explained that in Sri Lanka, the body of law consists of a mixture of English common law, Roman Dutch law and country’s own laws. In addition, the Minister explained that Muslims of Sri Lanka are governed by specific laws based on Sharia on matters relating to marriage, divorce and succession.

The Minister explained in detail the successful implementation of mediation boards which has taken lot of burden off the judiciary and also has offered an inexpensive dispute resolution mechanism to the ordinary people. On being questioned by the Head of the judiciary the minister explained that about 60% of the disputes are settled through mediation boards.

He further explained that the Chinese and Nepalese authorities have expressed a keen interest in the system. The Minister also explained that all the mediators are voluntary extend their service. Both of them also discussed the possibility of exchanging information regarding legal and judicial matters. Minister Hakeem suggested that Sri Lanka is willing to share experience with Iran official about the mediation process.

The Minister and the Iranian Head of the Judiciary discussed the human rights issues and both of them noted that both countries have cooperated on human rights issues in the world forum. They also discussed the double standards and discriminatory practices adopted by certain countries on human rights violations.

The Head of the Judiciary explained to the Minister after the Islamic revolution in 1979 periodic elections have been held at regular intervals offering the people to choose their rulers and representatives.

Minister Hakeem was associated by Sri Lankan Parliamentarian and SLMC Secretary General Hasen Ali and Coordinating Secretary M.H.M Salman. The Iranian Minister of justice and large number of officials and judicial officers were also present at the discussion.

Minister Hakeem returned to the country on Monday (24) morning.